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THE TEXAS TWO-STEP!

Tony has been two times lucky to get to meet and talk with actress and former Houstonian Hilary Duff. He first met her at at a local Houston mall in 2001 when he auditioned for a show called "Teen Talk". Her sister Haylie was originally going to be one of the hosts of the show and Hilary came along to help promote that show and sign autographs for her own new show. Hilary was 13 then and "Lizzie McGuire" had just begun airing on The Disney Channel. Tony couldn't believe it when her Dad walked over to introduce himself and talk to him. Tony met Mrs. Duff too and they were both so nice. Tony and his mom talked to Mr. and Mrs. Duff for a long time. Mrs. Duff told Tony he had a good look for this business and she generously shared some of their personal history with Tony's mother. Hilary's father told Tony he could sit at the autograph table with Hilary (see photo). Tony was shocked at the suggestion but he took him up on the offer and enjoyed watching Hilary sign autographs for her fans. Tony invited the Duff's to come to his last stage performance of "Oliver" that night. They said they would love to attend but couldn't because they were leaving early the next day for Canada where Hilary was to film "Cadet Kelly". They told Tony they've previously attended shows at the theater where he was performing as "Oliver Twist".

Tony and 13 year old Hilary Duff (June 2001)

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Tony got to talk to Hilary again after he lucked out as a winner in a Houston Chronicle newspaper contest where 20 kids got to meet and ask Hilary questions in a private reception at the Children's Festival in March 2003. He asked her how she liked Rome where she filmed "The Lizzie McGuire Movie" and she said she loved it! He brought her a special gift he'd picked out just for her: "I gave her a Beanie Baby doll that looked like her and an "H" initial necklace too. She loved it and, the best part is - she gave me a big hug! Ladies DO love the gifts! ;)"

Tony and 15 year old Hilary Duff (March 2003)